Co-opted first onto Louth County Council in 2000, he served as a councillor until 2011 when he was elected to the Dáil on his second attempt. He is the current Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation with special responsibility for Business and Employment. He is also a former mayor of Drogheda.

I want to ensure everyone shares in the economic recovery through better living standards, better jobs, better opportunities for families.

Jobs. Where workers are paid well, treated decently and respected and entrepreneurs who create the jobs are encouraged and supported.

Set up living wage accreditation process and encourage more employers to voluntarily sign up to ensure workers earn enough to live.